La d da, Peaceful ways

La d da, Peaceful ways
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is my sister on Christmas morning with Peaceful Ways.

End of Year review

We after Cathy and Jo did an end of year list I figured I maybe should have a look see at what I accomplished this year. A note for those of you who will be surprised at this list...I have never stitched as much or as consistantly as I did this year.
G=gift
E=exchange

In rough order:
Rose Heart sampler-Just Nan
Sending love tiny kit-unknown (G)
Valentine bird-CS calander
Liberty sampler -XS quick mag
Owl -prarie schooler (E)
Bless the Baby- Lizzie Kate(G)
Village Sampler- Prarie Schooler (G)
Pittsburgh- Oberlin (started in late 90's)
Seaside garden- Victoria Sampler
Waxing moon birds freebie (lost at Joann's Fabrics *sigh*)
Little house in the woods -Heart in Hand
Baby Sampler- JBW (G)
2 Name tags
Pumpkin Pagent freebie (E)
Think Autumn -Lizzie Kate(E)
Cozy Cabin freebie (E)
Making Friends-tie one on
Hohoho-Tie one on
12 Days of Christmas afghan- Alma Lynne (Started in 97)
Starlight Starbright - Waxing moon (G)
Peaceful Ways - La di da (G)
Garden exchange (its a secret)- (E)
Flip its- Lizzie Kate (9 in total , 3 were done in 2004)

Ornaments:
Babys first ornament (G)
2003 JCS-Joy needle roll
2004 JCS- Candy Cane Cat, Happy Holidays Snowman, Noel Birdhouse, Peace tree, Peace needle roll, Joy
2005 JCS- Love needle roll

Over all I feel like for all my stitching I should of finished more. But I guess 41 is good, but what I am most proud of is that only 5 of those are sitting in a drawer...the other 36 were actually framed (by moi) or finished as an ornament or pillow.

Here is Dec goals:
Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher No
Finish the afgan (days 10-12) Yes
Finish Dec Flip it Yes
Finish Peace tree ornament Yes
Start Little Snowman in the Drifts Yes
Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch) Yes
Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think) stitching done-finishing this weekend

As for January I am only working on one goal
No new projects
I resolve to finish my WIP's this month (I have 9).

Best Christmas Ever

Sam
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well pretty darn close...look what I got! Ian brought this little guy home on Christmas eve, and of course we decided his name was to be Sam. (a tribute, of course, to the famous "Sam and Max Freelance Police" ). He is a grey striped kitty about 6 weeks old. With his little sharp teeth and claws he has earned the nickname of "sharp-n-fuzzy". He is a terror when he attacks your face in the middle of the night.
After about 6 hours of intense negotiations with the dog, Sam is now the bane of Max's life. He now attacks the dog's muzzle/ears/tail when he wants to play, and our main concern is the Max will lose it and hurt him. So we try not to let them play with out human supervision. I don't think it will be a problem in a few weeks when Sam is older and less fragile. He has learned where the litter box is and so far only one or 2 accidents have occured.

Cutie
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

He loves to sleep on my holiday poodle fur pillows and if you can't find him on one of those watch your feet...he is under something waiting for you to walk by.

I apologize for not blogging this past week, my family arrived friday and left yesterday. We finished up some shopping on christmas eve and watched the blowout of a Steeler game, had a great christmas day, on Monday we went to Old Salem in Winston, and visited the new LNS there (helped Linda pay another bill). Tuesday we did a bit more shopping and returns/exchanges, and took Max to the Barkpark for a treat for being such a good brother.

I came down with a small cold on Christmas (i think i picked it up at the sports bar) I feel fine now, but unfortunately Ian caught it and is now ill (he stayed home from work today...that is ill!) His immune system is weaker than mine and so the effect of the same bug is intensified in him...I need to go get some drugs for him on my way home.

More christmas stuff and crossstitch updates tomorrow...promise

Peace tree

Peace tree
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Finally finished the Peace tree. I had a devil of a time with the curve at the top... I tried the sandwich style of finishing for the first time and I used (horrors) glue to put the whole thing together...I had glue everywhere.
Anyway I am pretty much done with my stitching for now, I seem to have hit a lull. I have 6 WIP's (I have started alot of little things recently) but just don't seem to have the heart right now to work on them.
I only have 2 large WIPs ...and I looked at them both yesterday and did not feel inspired.

The tree is decorated, my christmas shopping is done, and the house is mostly decent. I am feeling a bit lost and in limbo right now, I want to take a break/ vacation but I also want to get my thesis done ASAP. I am to meet with my advisor this afternoon to discuss what looks like (to me) very messy results..I hope she can pull a few conclusions out of the chaos. Maybe then I'll be able to move forward.

Starlight starbright

Starlight starbright
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I Painted the frame with layers of white and yellow, and then sanded it. It came out pretty nice (I think) looking alot like the overdyed WDW Saffron I used in the stars.

Becca asked me in a previous comment how I liked my stitchers stand that I got last year for christmas. Well I have mixed feelings. I like it for larger pieces but they can only be a certian width (ie my Santa of the forest is too wide for it) It was difficult for me to not see the back when attempting to couch threads since there is no way to flip over the piece. And I could never get it into a comfortable position with it...I was always adjusting it and tilting it. I know there is a better stitching stand out there (I have heard great things about the StitchMate ...but I would want to know I would love it before buying it). I am glad that Ian did not spend lot on the stand...but I will be using it again when I get back to View to a Spring Garden.

Finally if you havent seen Screaming at Santa yet....check it out for a good laugh

SBQ: Take a minute to reflect on your blog reading habits and preferences. What do you prefer to read in stitching blogs? (Progress, tips, family life, experiences, etc.) How much do you think you are influenced by other stitching bloggers?

Wow this is a great question. So I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I prefer to read blogs that are either a) mostly about cross stitching or b) so funny i fall off my chair everytime i read it. I have yet to find one that is both. I cannot stand political blogs, whiny blogs (usually about a medical or marital issue) or self serving blogs. I only keep up with one celebrity blog Wil Wheaton's, because he fits into the b catagory with usually fabulous writing thrown in to boot. I regularly read 18 blogs 15 are stitching. I don't mind a little personal stuff on a stitching blog (because I like to throw some in there too.) You can see my list under blogs I read. (oh I have to update that)

I think that I stitch more (and definitely finish more) because of these bloggers. I also think that my involvement in a community group (Tarheel stitchers) and becoming more familiar with exchange boards and yahoo groups online has also encouraged me in every aspect of my stitching (and maybe soon quilting).

On to my personal/stitching stuff.
First I was customer #3 in a new LNS in Winston Salem NC yesterday. I was soo excited her store is nice and big and only 30 min away from me. It is called the Stitch Nitch and I encourage anyone who is looking for any OOP to call her. Here is the story... there was a LNS in the same shopping center that closed down 5 years ago, and all the patterns (about 20,000 of them) have been sitting in storage for 5 years. She has supplimented that stash with all of Mill hills stuff the full line of DMC and all of the fibers you can think of NN, GAST, WDW, RG ,SSS, everything. I spent an hour or two there and got a hold of a few patterns , Prairie Schooler's Old World Sampler(OOP) and Garden Beasties, and Bent Creek's Cold Snowman (OOP) and some 32 ct Belfast Linen. I plan on heading back there next week with a more planned list of what I need/want.

Dec flip it

Dec flip it
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ta da All twelve months are now done.

I think we are going to get a christmas tree today. We were supposed to go yesterday but it started to rain. And it is a pain to try and take your time and select the right tree when it is raining. I love going and cutting a fresh tree. We go to Spillmans every year (that we get a tree). I thought about getting another potted tree, since last years is doing so great in the yard. But since we have visitors this year I thought a big tree would be nice..and I don't have to worry about how long it is in the house.

I am currently working on the Peace ornament (I will finish it!) and need to find a garden pattern for my exchange. I thought I had one but the other day I went to my recipients website and saw that she already had that one done up. so back to the drawing board (I know the deadline is looming!)

Happy Dance

Well luckily the dog eating incident did not really obstruct any of the pattern (see previous post) and I was able to finish last night around 1 am. (including redoing part of 4 calling birds)

Afghan finished
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is the whole thing. I haven't fringed it all the way yet (Ian is anti fringe). It looks kinda sad from far away. and doesn't have coverage like this. I didn't know any better when I started, they are just patterns for ornaments really. But for a 8 year old WIP I can say it is DONE!

The Whole Afghan
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is a close up of the final 2 which stitched up fast since I had the borders done.

11 pipers and 12 drummers
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

The dog ate my pattern!

The dog ate my pattern!
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I swear .....I was going to sell this after I finished...sigh

17 shopping days left...Seriously

SBQ: Have you done any charity stitching, been in one, or would like to organize one?

No...the only type I am aware of are xs quilts (Coles quilts)(9-11 quilts). I have never heard of any other type of charity stitching. I sorta feel that stitching a piece for a quilt for a child I haven't met is impersonal, I would rather stitch for someone i know.

In my own stitching world...I am back on the afghan and began stitching 10 lords a leaping (AGAIN!). I finished stitching the December Flip it, but didn't like any of the fabrics I own to finish it, so I have to go buy some today.

I have to get my christmas cards done...I dread doing cards, and now that printshop is not working on our computer (that had all the addresses to print labels) I really HATE doing christmas cards.

COOOOOKIES

Mantle for christmas 2005
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Cookie Day was a success. I made most of the doughs on Sunday so. Yesterday was mostly shaping decorating and baking. We made:

• Hersheys Triple Chocolate cookies
• Drop Sugar cookies
• Angel Wings
• Peanut Butter Christmas Mice
• Christmas Cutouts
• Holiday Cheesecake Presents
• Chocolate Peanut butter bars
• Lemon Squares
• Infamous Neiman-Marcus cookies
• and finally Doggie christmas biscuts for Max and friends (those stank up the kitchen)
  

Almost there

WIP LaDda
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So here is my La d Da Peaceful ways (for dear sista), I still have another border to do, but I am very happy with the way it came out. The picture on the leaflet (quite frankly) stinks, it is blurry and way non true to color. It looks like the words are all one color (but not so on the pattern ) and that the outer petals of the flowers are darker than the branches (they are both supposed to be GAST cinnamon along with "words" and "ways".) Liz (that is sista) said she wanted the flowers to be a bit more red so I used WDW Brick instead of GAST Cinnamon. Now the flowers look more like the picture. Unfortunately it is a bit of a rectangle instead of a square so finding the right frame will be a challenge. But if it isn't framed by christmas...thats ok cause I will have Starlight starbright framed for her. I just need to paint the frame(which I have) a antiquey yellow.

Other Goals for Dec are:

• Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher
• Finish the afgan (days 10-12)
• Finish Dec Flip it
• Finish Peace tree ornament
• Start Little Snowman in the Drifts
• Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch)
• Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think)

I went to find the ornament round robin ez board yesterday only to find it gone! I emailed Dani cause I remembered she was active on the board but she hasn't replied yet. Does anyone know where it went?? I hope it is just on sabbatical (sp?) or something.

Rhythm & Blues Block 1

Rythum &Blues Block 1
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

My first block of the month (actually 4) for my very first quilt attempt. It came out pretty well. They do already have the fabric pre cut, that saves a boatload of time. I am having trouble getting a perfect 1/4 seam.
Here is the deal, I inherited this sewing machine, and it is really a seamstresses sewing machine with 5/8 markings on the base. So I determined that the 1/4 area is right inside the far side of the presser foot, and the fabric is pulled thru with one feed dog but not the other so the fabric is constantly pulling to the right, and I am constantly trying to correct this by pulling the other way. In conclusion my 1/4 seam allowance is closer to 3/8 to 5/8 in a wave like fashion and the blocks are a little short in width. I asked for the other blocks for christmas, so I'll have to wait to do more then.

Thanks for all the comments about my ornaments yesterday, it makes me feel great you all still visit me. even after my whining. Anna even noticed I said santa instead of snowman...I didn't even realize my error till I read your comment! I don't think I have ever done that before, I guess it is cause they both start with the letter S.

As for Christmas I finally got Ian to narrow down the list of cookies we are baking this year to 10 kinds. I will be premaking dough on Sun, then we bake Mon (his day off). This will be the first time we have attempted a full fledged christmas cookie baking in our 7 years together, I usually I make 1 or 2 types, and mom sends me the rest. Last year I attempted ginger bread that came out so hard I ended up using them as doggie treats. I grew up with lots of cookies at christmas, there was always a plate full on the coffee table and my sister and I's job was to refill it when ever just a few crumbs were left. Since we have family coming this year I thought it would be good to start the tradition in my house.

Ta da !!

finished ornaments in 2005
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here are the ornaments I finished the other day. The needle roll on the left is from the 2005 JCS issue (Jeanette Douglas) which I had to do after enjoying the peace roll from 2004 issue. The rest I think I posted in their unfinished form before, they are all from the ornament round robin I just finished (all in 2004 JCS ornament issue). I did Joy (Erica Micheals) as a pillow, and the santa (designer?) as a pillow too but with a fabric border (practicing my quilting techniques), Candy Cane cat ( Chessie and me) I did a twisted cord for the first time ever! and it came out pretty good if I do say so myself. the Bird house (Brittercup designs) just a flat ornie with a purchased cord. I was thinking of making gifts of these but then I decided that I love them all to much, it is just unfortunate that there wasn't an ugly one in the bunch...maybe next year. the other 2 ornies from the exhange were the Peace needle roll (see photo here) and I am STILL working on the Peace ornament from M designs . I am definately signing up for the same exchange next year...can't wait.

Stiching Bloggers question of the week: Do you always sign your projects? If not, why? If so, do you use your first name, initials or what? I always put my initials and the year, I often find my self wondering what year I did something and on most of my older stuff does not say...that bugs me. Also on the really nice samplers and classic pieces I think the future may want to know. For example the only counted cross stitch my Grandma did, Is signed and dated on the paper behind the frame that will fade...I wish it was on the front as she did on many of her needle work pieces. If you notice though I did not put my initials on the ornaments (except santa) Don't ask me why....

Doing much better, thank you

Ahhh I feel better, After my huge vent, I decided to take some of the $$ I was saving for a new laptop (my old Gateway 98 has to go) and dog training, and use it for christmas. It's not alot but it got me happy(er). I guess the saving will wait till January HA!

So Thanksgiving breakdown:
Thursday: we were invited to Ian's friends house in Raleigh Durham, and he got a Boston Market turkey and fixings. I thought I would help heat the turkey...when I asked him if he had a baster and he replied "only if some one left it here" I knew I would have to take over. A bunch of his friends (10 altogether) came over and all played Xbox while I heated and preped everything. I didn't mind at all, but I would of liked a "do you need some help?" or a "thank you". Oh well. I am very grateful that no one ate my pumpkin pie till I tried a piece...It seems some one completely missed adding the sugar, hmmm. I have never trashed a whole pie before. I hope this means all my christmas cookies will be perfect.

Friday: Ian and I went to the Craftmans Classic Fair. If you live in the NC, SC, or VA, I highly recommend you look to see if it is by you and go. We had a great time. I got a few gifts for a few folks.

Saturday: Ian decided to take the day off. I pulled out all the xmas decor and Ian put lights up outside. We put that plastic stuff over the drafty windows to hopefully help with the winter bills . I also finished painting some gifts for a few unnamed people

Sunday: I finished decorating the house, and even did the mantle for the first time. I finished 4 christmas ornaments and just need cording for the 5th. Maybe I shall post pictures soon.

Quilting bug? Its all Doodlehead's fault.

Well not really, she just really does some nice quilts and was talking about how she was self taught, and I thought (again) I should be able to do it too.

Warning: story ahead>> You see YEARS ago I had all these tee-shirts and other stuff from being in the marching band in high school and college and I thought I could turn them into a patchwork quilt, after numerous false starts I have all the stuff and no quilt to show for it. After not getting very far I thought well maybe I should do a quilt ot two before I attempt this thing that has (apparently) never been done before. I bought too much fabric with out knowing how to pick fabric for a quilt. I did 1 (count them) one block before giving up. I disliked using the templates and it took me all day to do the one block...then I decided I did not like the color of the background (dull grey). Needless to say I have not touched the stuff in about 5 years. Wandering around Joann's I saw the block of the month kits and now am thinking I can do that....the colors are already picked the pieces cut and all I do is sew..I can handle that right? see the one I may start Here (Rhythm and Blues)

What am I DOING? I need to finish this stupid thesis and graduate! Truth is I am running away from my responsibilities and crafting and reading give me an excuse. (how do you like that analysis mom?) I don't want to go to school anymore, I just want to stitch. I am also running away from the fact that once AGAIN we have NO money for christmas, and I can't give the way my heart wants too, and AGAIN it hurts so much that it drowns the christmas spirit in me and I hate that. I hate having to enter the cyclic logic of ...Do I want to decorate a tree...it might put me in the christmas mood....but it will cost $40...money I could of spent on presents...so it will just depress me....so maybe decorating a tree will cheer me up...etc. everything for christmas needs $ travel/ gifts/cards/decor. I just want for ONCE a Christmas where $ is not the sole decision maker in EVERYthing we do ...there... that is what I really want for Christmas. Is Santa listening? Heck no he only listens to the children. Adults? shoot you're on your *&#$@&* own.

Thank you for letting me vent, If you made it this far I have some good news, I did turn in my results to my advisor on monday and I plan on turning in my discussion by christmas. yippee.

Maybe I should take a break

Uggh,

I am down to the last letter on the Peace Ornament By M designs...and I realize I am off somewhere by 2 squares. ugh, I hate over one. So I flung that aside after an evening of swearing, and then decided to start La-D-Da's Peaceful Ways for my sister (she picked it out at CATS) I thought it would be easy but nooooo, due to color changes and sizing differences....I had to start it twice and frog once too. The phrase that started going thru my head was a movie quote from Big Trouble in Little China...."My mind and my spirit are going north and south"
So needless to say I put the whole stitching thing aside, and shall return later....maybe after Thanksgiving. I need to get my mojo working again.

Harry Potter and the afterlife

So yesterday at midnight Ian and I went to see HP:GOF (Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire). I was so excited about this one for several reasons. It is my favorite of all 6 books (so far), and the original actors (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) are still in it (after rumors of replacement ...Not that I would blame them, I just feel they have really encompassed there roles very very well.) The previews looked awesome, and indeed I was not disappointed. The huge book was translated into the script of the movie in a way that cut out the fat and showed the main storyline with out making it feel like you were missing anything from the book. The humor was well balanced with the darkness, the adolescent teenage agst was shown but not dwelled upon, and the acting has only gotten better...Even the actors who had much smaller roles here than in the previous 3 movies. The only confusion or jarring moments were that Filch (I think it was him) was younger. and Dumbledore seemed overreactive sometimes and much more animated that before...moving like a man 20 years younger than he was in the past 3 films.

On the message board I hang out at there are those who were surprised and upset at how the movie/storyline has become dark and that there is a (gasp!) death in this movie. (I guess they didn't read the book). These parents are so worried about their children seeing death... (If I were them I would be more worried about Lord Voldemort..now he would of kept me up at nights as a child...but then again so did the Grinch...yes that Grinch). Hello this is a modern day fairy tale, you know, like the old ones where witches and wolves eat children and death is permanent...not a Disney honey coated version.
Death is not something to be afraid of, it is the opposite of birth. Why do we celebrate one and not the other ...I think people confuse birth and death with good and evil....true they are opposites but not synonyms. Birth is where we enter this life stage on earth and death is when we leave, like 2 doors in a room, I am betting there is another room we go into. And I honestly believe there are a few (very few) who can see that next room. I just read a book called The Eagle and the Rose by Rosemary Altea. She is a medium and it is her story about discovering this gift. I personally don't have this gift, but as John Edward says (the medium not the senator) we can all see the subtle signs from the others who have crossed to the next life stage. I know in my heart that my grandmother has shown me her presence at least twice, and I think that the original owner of our house checks up on us now and again. No there isn't any banging or flying books....these are peaceful signs..... smells, ideas, objects, etc. The Jehovah Witnesses come around every week trying to sell me religion, and in their Book of Knowledge I found out that they belive in no afterlife....at least not till Armageddon. When you are dead, you are dead....and until God creates peace on earth (then you get to come back), you are really dust to dust. This really feels completely wrong to me.


Oh look at me going on about controversial stuff that should be on another blog...sorry...I'll try to get back into cross stitching, I have been working on Peace tree ornament this week, and not much else....

Stitching Bloggers question of the week:
How do you feel about staying totally true to a pattern? Do you feel that you have to rip out stitches to fix a mistake or do you feel it's acceptable to incorporate a mistake into the design?

I think one only has to go to my last post to see my last huge mistake. Often a small mistake, a stitch or two I will incorporate into the design. and in saying that I don't think I have ever done a "perfect" project. I feel however that these little changes wether on purpose or not are part of the artists liberty when stitching. (at least that is what i tell myself so I don't panic)

Stitching crisis.....and sore muscles

Thursday I found my mistake on 10 lords a leaping and tore out his jacket, redid it found another mistake...tore out the boots redid it. It seemed like I was fighting it all the way. So I guess it was friday that I finally finished 10 lords a leaping, backstitching and all. I was really look forward to only haveing two squares left to do.... I pull it out of the hoop and realize.....I STITCHED IT ON THE WRONG SQUARE. It was in the square for #11. I swear I almost tore the damn thing apart. No wonder it was giving me hell. That evening (after achieving appropriate amounts of sympathy from my husband) I was able to breathe and tear out the entire thing (the only salvageable part was 1/2 the border) while watching Alias on DVD. I love watching all my shows thru Netflix...you can follow the complicated storylines without commercials or a week of distractions between them. Oh and by the way the pattern is 12 Days of Christmas by Alma Lynne it is oop now.

So instead of stitching the same thing twice in the same week, I then chose to just stitch the borders to all three of the last squares to make sure the placement and colors are correct....no chances from now on. I then took a break and went back to stitching on the Peace tree ornament that I had not finished from the exchange . I think I will finish it before going back to stitch the lord a leaping again.

In other news it is fall and that means waist high leaves. Let me give you some background here. Ian and I bought the house cause we love it and its yard with all the trees. but we bought it in the summer....not the fall. Our yard is caught in between the idea of a lawn and a forest. we have old (like 40-50 year old) oaks. and much of the ground is shaded and is just bare soil or weeds. The clincher is we cannot afford to 1) plant the whole yard with seed and maintain it with fertilizer/water/weed killer till it could maintain itself... nor 2) plant a boat load of trees to help it go forest in a short time, and to let it go native on its own would mean a horrid yard for years. also 3) I am not sure I would want more trees...my house is dark enough as it is and 4) I as a environmentalist can not cut down any trees that are not a danger to my house. Note that I am talking about both the front and back yard.

So as a consequence Ian and I have to rake and clear the yard of metric tons of leaves every fall. We are technically outside the city and do not get garbage services ...but our house has the city border sign right in front of it...and I checked last year...we are on the map of the leaf pick up route (which is also the garbage route). So last year we put them on the road and voila...they picked them up. Cool. So this year the pick up was later than usual due to the warm weather, and I checked the city web site and pick up was to begin on the 14th and go thru the 10th of December. Since we were toward the end of the route last year I wasn't worried and alot of the oak leaves are still green and on the trees here. but it was ankle deep in the backyard so I thought that I should at least start on the piles and Ian could do the front yard later. So Sunday I work my butt off from 9am-1pm and get the whole backyard done... well yesterday I decide at the last minute to take a day off from school since I had not seen Ian in about 7 days. We decide to finish the front yard and mow one last time. While we are raking....the leaf guys show!! on the first day!. They won't pick up again for a month but we finish raking anyway and start the new pile.
They must of felt bad cause later that afternoon while we were out they came back for the rest....we are thinking of leaving a cooler of beer under the next pile of leaves.......

Progress on the Afghan

DSC00592
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is the newest picture 9 Ladies Dancing is done... her leg looks kinda fat but oh well. And I discovered late last night that I am off a row somewhere on the lord a leaping....I couldn't find the mistake, and decided to go to bed, so tonight will be a search and destroy (or fudge) mission. Thats all the news today (its early).

I can't think of a clever title

Stitching Bloggers Question of the Week: When comparing large projects versus small projects, which do you get more excited about finishing?

Ha ...what a question for me, I have never finished a BAP (Big Ass Project) the 2 I have I started in 97....I might finish this winter...Ha.
So needless to say I get excited about the ones that stitch up quickly...that are fun and have different stitches and several colors but not too much confetti stitching. Those are usually small to med in size.

I am currently fresh out of $$ so I have yet to finish the Nov flip it...I need a $1 to get the ribbon (life stinks when you don't have a $1 on hand). As for my afghan, I did finish 9 ladies dancing...and started 10 lords a leaping last night. Unfortunately as I look over my work I see sooooo many mistakes. It is almost as if you can see my progression as a stitcher over the past 9 years...that is probably as good a reason as any to finish a big project quickly. (I may even redo the calling bird...my x's are all messed up.... right over left...left over right accckk). To be totally truthful I hate the fabric I am working on ...I bought it at a craft store years ago and I now realize it was probably the cheapest afghan available, but since I have never seen anyone else's in person...I can't tell you if anyone could do any better.

In other news, Ian and I watched The Elegant Universe last night (a Nova program based on the book of the same name) We got it thru Netflix. It is a 4 part series made in 2003. I HIGHLY recommend it to any one who is curious about String Theory. It breaks it down very well for the average person. I even understand general relativity better now.

Longish post...eventful weekend

Green Man
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ian and I went to the Carolina Renaissance Festival with two friends yesterday. I love going every year. It is a huge event that rund for 6-7 weekends in Oct and early Nov. I first went in 1997 when I was working at Thunderbird YMCA in Charlotte as an environmental educator. I went alone and I loved it. Later when we moved here to Greensboro, I dragged Ian along (2001) and he loved it too...being a big fan of good beef jerky helps. We been going every year, and enjoy the new acts and wares. I tend to spend too much when I go so this year I had it planned out ahead of time. I bought earrings to match a necklace I got last year, a head wreath/garland (which I debate about every year) and a "commemorative" pilsner glass (I get one every year...soon Ian will have to make a display for them). The nice thing about going every year is that you can be frugal and space out your purchases. I kinda like the habit of scoping out the things I might like to get next year, and since the vendors are often the same (a little turnover keeps things interesting) I have little fear that it wont be there next year. And if something is gone...well then I wasn't meant to have it (I am very fatalistic when it comes to non life sustaining purchases). One of these days I want to make a costume and go in full regalia.

In other news a friend from NY flew in with a airplane that needed some repairs (he is a pilot) and we were able to have dinner with him saturday night and last night. He is debating wether o not to move his family here to NC or to Austin, TX. We tried our best to get him to move here. But we shall see.

I finished my Nov flip it but need to go out and get some ribbon to finish it tonight. I found some fabric for the back on friday...but it isn't thanksgiving or leafy fabric like I had wanted. I hate that they snatch the seasonal things away right before you need them and put out the christmas stuff before you are ready. I wish I had a store twith there seasonal stuff up year round, so for example, I could get fourth of july stuff now... I bet Joann's has it in the back somewhere just hoarding it till next year. I plan on starting the last one Dec next then on to the afgan for a bit.

But while I was in Joann's I saw the cutest wall quilt, I once tried quilting but that is a story and a project for another time. These sets that they have are a block a month series with the fabric already cut ...I may try it some day just to get started...but at $10 a month right now I can't afford it....maybe in Jan.

This weeks SBQ

If you have stitched for a while, can you usually pick out the DMC colors you need from memory when you go to your LNS? (For example, you know that 610 is a brown.)

I know of the top of my head what color 814, 3371, 413, 702, 221, 3740, 3363 are...and many more (maroon red, dark brown, grey, green, dark red, purplish pink, and a light forest green) Most of these # that I know by heart are ones I use frequently, and the more I think about it the more I realize I know, (930-932, 311, 3753, 745,....). But what I have in stock is constantly shifting and is pulled for various WIPs. So when I start a new project I have to go to my 3 boxes of wound floss first....These I "inherited" and since I do not like bobbins I use these first (as I use them up I do not replace them). Then I go to my stitchbow binders to finish off the list. If there is a list of 30 colors I am usually only missing 2-5 colors. I then try to think if I have any of these in a project already pulled....but I have to be careful there and usually just go buy it.

So to make a long answer to a short question even longer, No I do not just buy floss randomly based on memory of what I think I need when I go shopping, I only buy what I am missing from my stash. Which by the way is usually the higher newer #'s that DMC keeps adding Like 3865....did I mention I looks like white? Just what color were they aiming for here really?

Log Cabin Freebie

Log Cabin Freebie
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ta Da....I just finished this freebie for the stitching bloggers lottery (7 stitched items but only 1 winner) It is Cozy Cabin by Jeannette Douglas I stitched it on some random evenweave that was like 30/31 count and had a funky color...the fibers were white in one direction and tan in the other....made for a nice background. I finished it as a no sew cube thanks to Kim who I found thru Angelsan. The fabric is really cute with bears and canoes, it fit with the cabin theme. It was an easy stitch but I did not like the border. I know it is meant to be a log cabin quilt looking thing but the colors (especially the 3865- looks like white to me!) kind of breaks it up strangely. OKOK Ill post a closeup.

Close up
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

See what I mean now?...the border took up as much time as the center and the assembly...while I am at it here is the fabrc too:

Back of cube
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I am currently plowing ahead on the november flip it...I should be done stitching it by the weekend, then I can buy some fabric and have it up before we get into double digits on the calendar. I have to get Starlight starbright framed. then I am back to my winter WIP's I expect to finish the Afgan this year (only 4 out of 12 days of christmas to go) and work on Santa of the Forest....they are starting to call to me.

Autumn Exchange

Autumn Exchange
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is my exchange piece that I did for Nicki, there is an even better pic on her site. It is Think Autumn by Lizzie Kate, I did everything as called for in the pattern (except the fabric is not overdyed. I finished it as a bellpull because it was a bit too big to finish any other way (besides framing..and it was weird dimensions). Becky also recieved some goodies from me, and put a lovely picture on her site. I had not thought to take a picture.

Tie one on

Tie one on
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I am officially addicted to these kits.. I finished the other 2, HoHoHo and Making Friends, I got these at CATS. So then went on to Ebay to find more (they are $18 retail!) ...great now I need to start selling on Ebay to afford this.

On sat I went to Croptoberfest. It is this get together thing with Creative Memories where you scrapbook all day (my neighbor is a consultant...don't worry she buys Mary Kay from me). Normally I would be cross stitching, but I am doing this christmas present for Ian that involves this scrapbooking thing...so I got some good headway on it (it's actually almost done).
now, I MUST do some thesis work or I will NEVER graduate...

Can you tell I am avoiding work?

Which Sci-fi /fantasy character are you? I am Galadriel.
Possessing a rare combination of wisdom and humility, while serenely dominating your environment you selflessly use your powers to care for others.
Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Sounds good to me;)
I got this work avoiding activity from (who else) Wil in exile and no he didn't come out a Wesley Crusher...

Here is question I asked myself yesterday after hearing a Supreme court justice on Fresh Aire on NPR yesterdaytalk about his new book. How many Justices can you name of the top of your head? (hint: there are 9). I came up with 6 which did not include the guy on the radio (I had never heard of him before). I asked Ian the same question and was surprised that he could only name one (after me prodding him about it for 5 min) . How did you score? Answers here.

Flip It Oct

Flip It Oct
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here it is. the slip stitching on the bottom is a bit loose, I have to go back and fix that. I just started tha November one last night. I know I am falling behind...but with only 2 left in the series I am looking forward to finishing them by the end of the year.

I need to get my lottery entry started and finished (due by Nov 15)for the SBBB. I started something but now I think I want to keep it for myself. that is the one issue I have with exchanges, once I put in the time and I really like it I don't want to give it away. But I guess it helps that I get one that was probably just as hard for that stitcher to give up.

I feel like I haven't seen my husband all week..sucks big time. He had friends over on Mon night to play xbox, went to play hockey on tues night(i went with to watch), yesterday he went canoeing up in the mountains. he left before I got up and didn't arrive home till I was asleep, and tonight he is going straight to another hockey game (a double header) so I won't see him till 10pm. I told him if he makes any plans for fri evening I will kill him.

sendlove
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

After hearing about Beckys horrible email I decided i will fix up this little cross stitch that I did in Jan into a little ornament to send her. I hope I never get a comment or email that nasty directed to me or my blog.

And to end on a positive note......

What Reject Sith Are You?

This weeks Question and update

Do you mark or hi-lite your patterns or can you follow them without any markings? Do you make copies to mark up, or do you mark originals?

I have only photocopies and highlighted 2 patterns so far. These are the ones with alot of confetti stitching or are big and complicated. I try not to mark on the original pattern But I do have a bad habit of checking off the list of floss colors in pencil, but I don't intend on selling the patterns later so I guess it does not matter.

Other wise in the stitching world I was going to post a pic of my oct flip it and 2 completed tie one on kits....but my husband stole the camera this morning so you will have to wait. I also finished Starlight Starbright (xmas present for sister).
Ian and I have been able to unpack and get all the furniture from grandpa's house settled in. the only thing left is a table that needs to be sold. We ended up with an extra dresser that we put into my closet and filled with my craft and crossstitch stuff. (there were piles of rubbermaid there before. I am glad we were able to use it.

Fall exchange

Fall exchange
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Fall exchange (inside)
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is my Fall exchange piece recieved from Aniza in Malaysia. The pic is a bit dark (I need a better camera). But the pattern is a La Broderie freebie designed for Needle Necessities. The fabric is a Malasian batik print. She also included a skein of floss that she overdyed herself. I think I might have the perfect pattern for it...but it will be a while befor i can use it with chistmas arriving soon.

The fall exchange peice I did is in the mail and I will post that picture as soon as Nicki recieves it *waving to New Zealand*

Comment crisis

Thank you to Jo for letting me know I miss set my comments to members only. I didn't mean to do that and I think it is ok again. You can now comment on any post.

I have a bunch of pics to take and post so check back often during the next week.

Back from NJ/PA

Relatives
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hello all, I have just returned from a weeks worth of funeral, cleaning out a house, and driving over 1000 miles to get everything where it needed to be.

Everyone was able to come for at least a day. The viewing and funeral went well. The dividing and sorting of house treasures/antiques/memories went without any blood. (we had a plan worked out for a long time). Ian and I had to rent a Uhaul trailer to get my/my mom/and my sisters stuff out of there cause the house was going on sale by Saturday. So we towed the stuff to PGH to unload my sisters and moms stuff . Then we left and arrived home yesterday.

I ended up with a Dining room table and 4 chairs, a dresser, a coffee table, 3 end tables, a sewing table (with a sewing machine it it!) a gun rack, a bookcase, a hutch and a dressing table. (the last 2 are currently in storage at moms till i get a bigger house. I also got several wedgewood pieces (in storage till the hutch has a place), and a bunch of kitchen supplies.

Lots to clean up and move around. It was good to see all my cousins...it may be along time (or never) before we all get together again.

Lastly...I noticed no one wants to comment anymore. I had to initiate to word id program cause I was starting to get mega spam. Please don't let it scare you, I love your comments. 9lets me know you are still listening.

Peace needleroll ornament

Peace needleroll ornament
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

This is the last ornament in my exchange group Peace by Jeanette Douglas Designs...I havent even finished the last ornament yet (Peace Tree over one in silk!...I am pulling my hair out over that one).
But I got all the stuff for this needleroll the other day and finished it in 1 night (minus the hemstitching and rolling) I have never done a needle roll before and I LOVED this one. I am thinking of doing another just for fun. I looked in the new JCS ornament issue and lo and behold there is another needleroll, Love ...so I ran out and got all the stuff (except one speciality fiber which I ordered) and stitched most of it up yesterday. I must say that I did not like it as much as the Peace one, it is not as clean looking and the twill stitch did not endup with the same diagonal pattern that you can see in the model. Some times I think the designer forgets how they did something and your left trying to figure out what went wrong.

Halloween exchange

Halloween exchange
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well I can finally post this pic, Lizzie got it. This is Pumpkin Pagent by Cross Country (a freebie) it is over one on 22 count grey linen. I attempted to do a whipped stitch finish with a beaded edge. It isn't my best work but I am sure I will only get better.
My Autumn exchange is done and will go out soon, and I just signed up for the garden exchange...can you tell i like these.

John Belcher Sayre 1908-2005

Pic of grandma and grandpa
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

My Grandfather died wed. He was my last grand parent and was the oldest at a whopping 97 years and 7 months. He was a colon cancer surviver of over 20 years. but he had deteriorating over the past year or so. Here is the official obituary (my mom wrote it up...pretty good eh).

John Belcher Sayre, 97, was Summit police chief
Sunday, October 02, 2005
A service for John Belcher Sayre, 97, a lifelong Summit resident, and former police chief there, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the United Methodist Church, Summit. Arrangements are by the Bradley-Brough Funeral Home, Summit.
Mr. Sayre, who died Wednesday at home, started his career with H.O. Wilson, a woolen goods firm in New York City.
He joined the Summit Police Department in 1941 and then the Navy during World War II, where he served in the Short Patrol in Mississippi and Louisiana.
After his tour of duty, he rejoined the police department and was named chief of police in 1957 and retired in 1973.
Mr. Sayre was the executive director of the Summit/New Providence Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Policemens Benevolent Association Local 55, the New Jersey Police Chiefs Association and the International Police Chiefs Association and past president of the Union County Police Chiefs Association.
Mr. Sayre started the Police Athletic League, the Cub Scouts Pack and the Boys Scouts at Washington School in Summit.
He was past president and a Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club in Summit, a volunteer with the American Red Cross in Summit, the first recipient of the YMCA Stuart Reed Award and a recipient of the Bnai Brith Americanism Award.
Surviving are sons, John B. Jr. and Brant T.; a daughter, Nancy Sayre Bergman; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

I am glad I had 31 years of knowing him, and
I am very happy to have just seen him in July and that he knew me and Ian.

THis week question

Have you ever just quit a project while in the midst of it? (We’re not referring to UFOs here, rather projects that you know that you’ll never work on again.) Why? What did you do with it - throw it out, give it away, put it away?

The only one I can think of is one of the first big (larger than 10 stitches square) Counted cross stitch kits I tried. I was about 13 or so, and It was a picture of a rocking chair and a cat on a rug...you know the type. Well I messed up somewhere and could not find the mistake, then I found it and tryed to work around it/fix it then more mistakes kept rearing their ugly head. I finally threw it out and stopped stitching for about a year or more When I finally stitched again I did an even more complicated one...but it turned out very well thank you. I think I just needed that year of maturity.

Last weeks Question

What is the most challenging specialty stitch you have ever stitched?

Off the top of my head I would have to say a bullion stitch. I tryed it on one of those Victoria Sampler Learning samplers with it to make roses...I was not happy with my results. Usually though I love to try new stitches, and can master them after a few trys.

Hershey (Saturday and Sunday)

Mom and Liz
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So Saturday We get out to Chocolate World early (9:30 or so) and ride the same ride they have had there for 25 years (they need disney to update that thing..seriously) We scoped out all the new chocolate products and found out that they no longer make regular size Krackle bars.

We then went to the Hershey Gardens...we also scoped out the posh Hotel Hershey. The gardens were huge and full of roses (my mom is the big gardener in the family...here photoed sharing her knowledge with 2 daughters sworn never to try to grow roses LOL). After the Gardens and lunch we went to the outlets, Hershey has just a tiny outlet mall but we stopped by the important stores (scrapbook, Pfaltzgraff, and the one cross stitch store in the area...the Cross stitch Corner). We were tired after all that so we headed to Friendly's for Ice cream then back to the hotel to stitch. We got deli dinner late at night and stitched too long into the night.

Sunday we took our time leaving, and stopped by the cross stitch store again to get a few more things (never enough) I left around noon and was home by 630.

Mom at Gardens
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

The Stash Haul:

Stash Haul
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ok lettsee if I can remember

Fabric: Snow Squall from Crossed Wings, distressed 32 ct Belfast Linen, and a pretty rose colored 32 ct linen.

Patterns: Quaker Diamond by Hillside samplings, Nine patch by Bright Needle, Seaology by Trilogy, Five Pumpkins and House welcome by JBW designs, Cat sampler by HIH, and Hug a tree by Bent Creek.

Kits: I totally broke down and bought 3 tie one on kits from Pine Mountian Designs: Ho ho ho, Making Friends and Trick or Treat (which I finished there!)

Other: JCS ornament 2005 issue, a bell pull for my autumn exchange, GAST in Wood smoke and Cinammon, and WDW in Brick.

Over all a pretty good trip. Next year I hope to stay in the lodge and actually meet Cathy (who I hear was found by Jo after all....see Jo I told you she wasn't imaginary) and spend some time meeting new people.

Hershey Report (Thursday and Friday)

Andrea and Trevor
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So I drove up on thursday and arrived In Lancaster around 3:30...since I had about 2 hours before my friend got home, I stopped by Millersville U (My alma mater) bought a new tshirt, and toured the new science building, I was also able to talk to one of my old profs (who remembered me!, its been 9 years!). I then went to meet my friend at her house. Here is a fabulous pic of her and her son (he is about 16 months) sorry for the bad color...we were in a mall elevator!
The next day (Friday) We drove in to Hershey, my friend went to work (she teaches there) and I scoped out the town. I found the hotel and the conference center...but had to wait till 10 when they let the plebs in (members got in at 9) I wandered and shopped about till 1 when my mom and sister arrived. We went and had lunch then went back in to the mart to finish shopping. Around 3 I gave up looking for my fellow bloggers and tried to call Cathy (phone # no good) then Jo ..she was there and we met up I met Pete, Patti, and Nancy but eventually had to meet up with mom again. Jo gave me the Halloween exchange there. Isn't it great!

My Halloween exchange from Jo
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I found Jo and told her to give me a call of she found Cathy or did anything that evening...and maybe we could join up. Unfortunatly we were staying in the Holiday inn Express down the street while all of my fellow bloggers were hanging out in the Lodge (where the festival was), So I guess I was out of sight out of mind. After we left, Liz (my sister) and my mom and I ended up heading out to dinner, back to the hotel, soaking in the hot tub and stitching till bed time. I shall post about Sat and sun tomorrow...it is getting late

Off to chocolate land

Off to the land of the crazy cross stitchers! Unlike my fellow bloggers who will also be attending (Cathy, Jo, and Patti) I do not have a shopping list. I have most of the fabric I need for the immediate projects I am going to do. My goal is to get as much as I like for a little $$ as possible (wish me luck in my grab bag grabbing). I am leaving in tomorrow morning and shall return on Sunday......Ill take plenty of incriminating photos hehe.

Shot Glass rack

Shot Glass rack
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Back in my younger years when I was in college, I started to collect shotglasses from where ever I had been. I can't remember the oldest one...maybe the one from Stone Harbor NJ where I worked during the summer of 94. But ever since my souvenir of choice where ever I go is a shotglass. It must be a place where I have stayed overnight at least and have a unique quality to it (not just say "Spring Break Rules" or whatever). Some time in 2000 I started to run out of room on a tiny 2 shelf rack i bought, and when we moved into our new house My father in law said he would make us a rack for them all. This was 2 years ago...almost to the month. The rack is made of cherry wood.

The glasses have been waiting patiently in the attic for a long time. We have 48 from places we have been (my original rule of collection) and 63 altogether (the rack can hold 120 if crowded) the other 15 are gifts from friends and family that are either random or from places they have been.

This rule also lead itself to the unique toast Ian and I had at our wedding...a shotglass was our favor for all the guests and we all did Jagermeister, I think Ian's grandma did 2. (I don't like champane, and this liquor is significant in our dating story). Which reminds me I have to dig out an extra glass for the rack from the attic. Total Glasses= 64

Any questions?

I can't believe people read my blog.

This must mean I am on someones favorites list! Ha. I got 5 comments in 16 hours (okok one was spam but still, I think its cool.) And Patti, We actually didn't find a USB or buy one, the camera came with a mouse that can read the memory card...and Ian hooked it up so I could post the pics. Ill see you in Hershey too!!

I am excited to head up to Hershey in less than 3 days! I get to see my roomate from college and spend the weekend withe my mom and sister...surrounded by cross stitch... woo hoo, I need a break.

In the thesis department I am trying to finish up the lab work portion of my stuff, that has meant identifing chironomids (midges). For those of you who are not aquatic ecologists, in order to id these guys you have to mount them on a slide and squash their heads to get them down to genus and species. see pictures similar to what I have been looking at for the past 2 weeks here . In the mean time I am debating on if I can really finish by Dec. I am trying to cover my butt and get a TA lined up for next semester if I don't finish. And it is looking like if I do finish, I wont have time to find a job by Jan.
I am hoping to start my Results section by the beginning of Oct , and to give you an idea of how behind i am ,the other 2 grad students in my lab who plan on graduating in Dec have already turned in their results.

Nametags

Nametags
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here are the nametags I did for the CATS festival (4 days to go). The blue one I did some drawn thread work...Rhodes stitches then herringbone, below my name is algerian eyelets, them a wave stitch from the seashore sampler I did earlier this year. I tryed to add a backing but it pulled out...so I ended up just mounting it to some mat board.

The cream one was a design pulled from a needle roll design I haven't done yet but the lettering came out great and this one is my fav of the 2.

September Flip it

September Flip it
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Truth or Dare.....Truth

I got this from Cathys blog.....who got it from Vash.....I thought it was neat:

My truths are in bold
I am bisexual. I am homosexual. I've run away from home. I listen to political music. I collect comic books. I shut others out when I'm sad. I open up to others easily. I am keeping a secret from the world. I watch the news. SometimesI own over 5 rap CDs. I own an ipod. I own something from Hot Topic. I love Disney movies. I am a sucker for hair/eyes. I don't kill bugs. (exception for mosquitos). I curse regularly. I have "x"s in my screen name. I've slipped out a "lol" in a real conversation. I love Spam. I bake well. I would wear pajamas to school. I own something from Abercrombie. I have a job. I love Martha Stewart. I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS. I am self conscious. I like to laugh. I smoke a pack a day. I loved Go Ask Alice. I have cough drops when I'm not sick. I can't swallow pills. I have many scars. I've been out of this country. (only if Canada counts) I believe in ghosts. I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room. I am really ticklish. I love chocolate.I bite my nails.I am comfortable with being me.I play computer games/video games when I'm bored.Gotten lost in the city.Saw a shooting star.I have had two serious surgical procedures.Gone out in public in my pajamas.I have kissed a stranger.Hugged a stranger.Been in a fist fight with the same sex. Been arrested.Laughed and had milk/soda come out of your nose.Pushed all the buttons on an elevator. Made out in an elevator. Sworn at my parents.Kicked a guy where it hurts.Been skydiving. Been bungee jumping. Broken a bone. Played spin the bottle. Gotten stitches. Drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour. Bitten someone. Been to Niagara Falls. Gotten the chicken pox. Crashed into a car.Been to Asia. Ridden in a taxi. Shoplifted. Been fired. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back. Stole something from my job. Gone on a blind date. Had a crush on a teacher/coach. Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.Been to Europe. Slept with a co-worker.Been married. ( to same coworker) Gotten divorced. Saw someone dying. Driven over 400 miles in one day. Been to Canada. Been on a plane.Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Thrown up in a bar. Eaten Sushi. Been snowboarding. Been skiing. Been ice skating.Met someone in person from the internet. Been to a car show. Going to or have gone to college.Done hard drugs. Taken painkillers. Met a celebrity. I like playing practical jokes. Been in a hot air balloon. Ridden a camel in the Sahara desert. Performed in front of an audience.

Questions

Last week:
Which way do you stitch (/// and then \\\ or \\\ and then ///)? Can you (or if you haven’t done it before, do you think you could) change the way that you stitch temporarily if it is asked of you?

I stitch both ways....I know it seems confusing, but I remember my mom teaching me that it didn't matter if it was right over left or vice versa as long as you are consistant in the entire piece. You can see in my earlier work both types would appear. Now Ill start a piece (usually it is /// then\\\ ) and just continue the way I started through out. But even now (Yesterday!) I'll catch myself sometimes reversing it for a few stitches then I rip it and redo.

This week:
Do you stitch for events like weddings, engagements, or other things that might not last? If you have been unlucky and the two people broke up, what happened toyour stitched gift?

So far I have only stitched one wedding piece and it wasn't very big....And if they break up Ill steal it back cause the framing was so damn expensive ;) LOL . No I mostly do baby samplers now (3 so far), there is no undoing a birth.

Tuesday Rocks the Casbah

So with the official complaint of my mother that I haven't posted lately :

So Ian and I have lost the usb cable for our camera so even though I framed Pumpkin in the patch and finished September's Flip it...alas I cannot post it till we either find said cable or break down and puchase a new one. In addition I also finished the Halloween exchange piece for the blogger exchange but cannot post it (secret stuff and all) til the end of this month. I am fairly proud of myself because I finished it in a flat ornament using a whipped backstitch beaded edging. It is not the best but it is my first and I have learned a lesson or two on how to do it better next time. I am currently working on an autumn exchange piece that will be done soon and to my great chagrin....a nametag, sigh.....

See I was going to use this old nametag I had done years ago for a retreat but it is kind of hmmmm dated? yeah dated. So I wasn't going to worry about it till JO did her FABULOUS nametag, now she is making us all look bad. Now I know nothing I can do can even compare to that grace, I am not good at putting together my own designs. But I decided this weekend I would have to try or regret it all the way to Hershey, so I put together not one but 2 designs...If the first one comes out bad I can quick stitch a second.

A good weekend

Yes yes I know it is Wed...but this is the first opportunity I have had to blog this week.
So this past Sat Ian and I went dancing...see I was feeling a bit depressed lately and I determined that one reason was that Ian and I don't go out anymore...several reasons but the biggest is that there is no where to go for couples in greensboro besides a resturant (and we have tonnnnns of those). all the bars/clubs are smoky, expensive, loud, and crowded, and if you want a live band you can't find one where there is room to dance (and I mean dance with a breathable airpocket around you) See in Savannah (where we met) there was lots of places with bands and dance floors with minimum $$ exchanging hands. Sooo long story short (too late) I did a search on the internet and found this. It ends up that they were having a dance this past Sat at the Shrine Club. Which I took to be all a good omen cause 1) we live within walking distance of the club 2) we had our wedding reception in a shrine club and 3) I found out about it a week before time not a week later as is usually my luck. Well I knew that this was either going to be great or suck big time (the former prevailed). We got beginning lesson on Jitterbug before the dance, and the music was all swing and bigband, and there was lots of space! Ian and I are now talking about taking lessons on Mon night but $$ is tight now so we shall see.

Jump to Mon (nothing happened Sun trust me) Ian and I had planned on taking the day off and going to Raleigh to see The CSI exibit at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences We headed out and enjoyed a day at a museum that was pretty much empty (no school groups since school has just started). After wards eat at the Mellow Mushroom (I had heard great things about it) and then went and watched some of Ians friends play a game of rollerhockey (they are the Crimson tide) and when I say friends there are 4 (four) of these guys that Ian went to school with up in NY and now they all live and work in Raleigh and all play on the same roller hocky team...any who they won 9 to 4 and We had a few drinks afterwards and went home arriving just at midnight.

Well today Ian is off to the beach with a few guys from work...they got some time in a timeshare that another co worker couldn't use. So maybe I can get something done around here (haha).

Little Pumpkin in a patch HIH

Little Pumpkin in a patch HIH
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

All done. I used all the dmc conversions except on the pumpkin it called for a wierd burgandy color or WDW cinnamon. I instead went to my overdyed floss stash and pulled out WDW carrot. that seemed more orange and natural to me. the photo is a bit washed out but you get the idea.

Didn't stitch at all last night Ian and I went to the gym....I hate the gym, ok not hate, dislike very very much. And its not just the gym I dislike exercize too...I think I was born without these endorphins every one talks about.

Oh and I trashed my photo over there cause I was bugging me ....Maybe Ill put another up someday.

Mary Kay open house

Color Line
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hello all, Sorry I haven't been blogging lately I ahve been in funk lately. But my MK open house is over here is a pic of just one of the 4 tables I had set up to display my inventory...This is just the color cosmetics (then I had a skin care table, a spa table, one of perfumes, and one of gift ideas). I had good results and am happy to have reconnected with my customers.

As for stitching, I finished pumkin in the patch...I will post tomorrow. I am working on my halloween exchange and autumn exchange (which I can't post till the exchange happens).

And by tomorrow I mean Monday :0

Ian's Drawing of his plane
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is Ian's pencil sketch of the plane, and he thinks he isn't very good...heh, well at least he signed this one...usually he has to be forced to sign any of his work. Ian's dad was and artist and a woodworker, and his grand father liked to tinker with cars....Ian got all these interests so I end up with a very talented (yet frustrated) husband with too many hobbies he wants to do and not enough time or $$ to do it.

Meanwhile I realize the count down has started. I have 3.5 months to whip up a thesis. I have told EVERYONE that I graduate in Dec but now I am nervous it might not get done. Aggh.

In crosstitch land I have too many projects going on at once. I started 3 this weekend! one for my fall exchange (its a badly kept secret), Little Pumkin in the Patch by HIH, and the Sept Flip it. none of them should take long to do...But you would think I had enough to do already.

and My Mary Kay open house is this thursday....I have to start calling those who have not RSVPed, to see who intends to come (that is 24 phone calls....and I hate being on the phone!)

Finally to top of this Monday...I just recieved a phone call from my sister telling me my stepfather is in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer (which they think he had for days and told no one). Send your energy to PA....my stepfather and my mom will need it.

The Cabinet...........Is done.

The Cabinet...........Is done.
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

If you are a regular reader you will remember that I mentioned about 2 months ago that Ian and I were redoing an old garage cabinet... We sanded it and Ian bead blasted the drawers a few at a time...and we used rustoleum's Hanmmered brown and silver metalic for the handles. My only regret...No before picture! It now resides in the craft room where it holds all kinds of crafty stuff...the drawers are a roomy 9x15 and about 2 inches deep...so in the drawers went model paints, fabric, paint brushes, pencils, floss, oragami paper, stamps, and other random stuff that was taking up lots of space. we then bought the tv dvd player (see on top) to spend more time in the room. It is paying off too. Ill post a picture of what Ian has been working on tomorrow.
Meanwhile....my Hershey plans are solidifing, my mom and sister are joining me for the weekend at CATS in Sept. My mom is a xstitcher...but my sister is not, but assures me she will attend if just to pick out stuff for me to stitch for her. I plan on heading up on thursday and spending the night at a college friends house (Attn Cathy:, My friend and her husband are both Pi Nu's, I was not, I was a Pixie PKX !). What I am really looking forward to is meeting these bloggers who I have read so much about.

August Flip it

August Flip it
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Just to keep you all happy, here is my August flip it...I made it into a hanging and it is already up. September is not going to be as good with the timing since I haven't even started it yet.
This weekend was pretty relaxing...I didn't do much, Sunday I felt caged again...like something wasn't quite right.
But yesterday I finished up the last of my field work for my thesis...and celebrated Ians birthday by going out to dinner.

Ornament exchange #4

Ornament exchange #4
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is the fourth finished ornament exchange....Joy by Erica Michaels. Well I now have 4 (in the end 6 ) stitched ornaments....but how to finish them...and when Ha!

Last night Ian worked on financial issues and paid bills while I cleaned out my Mary Kay closet and organized it to a point where it is cleaner than when we moved in. I got out all the open house stuff and figured out what I have to order before the big day.

Little house in the Woods

Little house in the Woods
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well I finished and framed Little House in the Woods by HIH (I told you I found the perfect frame) I did use DMC instead of GAST (I'm cheap) . Next in this series will be Little Pumkin in the Patch. I started to rip out and redo Starlight Starbright last night while we watched Castaway (I didn't like it as much as all the hype built it up to be...What WAS in the box???). Ian and I bought a little 14 inch Tv/dvd combo for the craft room...so now I can stitch, sew, play with my beading or scrapbooking stuff, while Ian can sit at his drawing table and work on larger sketches while we watch DVDs at night. Before I was running back and forth between the front room and my stitch stuff...and was limited to what was portable too.

I went to my neighbors Open House (she is a Creative Memories consultant) this past Sunday and bought a powersort box...then pulled ALL my photos out from the attic and organized them! I have about 20 years worth of photos organized by time and place/event. It is a bit overwhelming, but the progress I have made so far has made me feel very good. Next I want to get all the little souviners/invitations/cards together and sorted ...(there are about 3 boxes of that stuff in the attic too.)

As for my Mary Kay Open house....it is turning out pretty well... I got the flyers ready and sent out tuesday. I have already had a call from one person who RSVPed. Woo Hoo!

In other news I have been out in the field this week collecting the last of the aquatic insects needed for my thesis...I will be all done with that next monday! Then the analysis must start. School starts on the 15th but I am not taking any classes...Just teaching and finishing my thesis....

Im Baaaacccccckkkkk

Well....Lettsee I last wrote to you all on thursday the 14th. Since then I have been to court, seen all my immediate family, and have traveled 1200 miles.

Let me break it down for you without boring you to death. Thursday night we go out to meet our friends for dinner and get a call from another friend who says she is leaving her husband and called the police and needs a place to stay. (We have been expecting this call for a while). So the next day she calls me frantic saying she has to be in court to get the restraining order but they will not let the baby in...so I head downtown (only 2 miles away from school) to look after her daughter while she is in court...I was holding this baby for so long (4 hours) that my arms were sore the next day. That evening we all had a Pow -wow with all the people in the know about the situation and we discussed how we were going to proceed (this abuse situation is stitckier than most cause all our husbands work together!).
My mom and my stepdad arrived the next day Sat and stayed till tuesday morning....the whole time we are dealing with the aformentioned problem, but managed a good visit with the rents and mom got to go flying with Ian.
Tuesday morning my mom and stepdad head off to the coast and Ian and I head up north with doggie...glad to leave troubles behind. We arrive in New Paltz, NY to stay with his parents 11 hours later (traffic in DC and more stops than usual for the dog). During our stay, 5 days 5 nights, we visited 2 grand parents, a great aunt, a great uncle, and 11 friends (in 5 different locations) . Max was a trooper, he ajusted well to traveling in the truck, meeting new people, and to visiting different places. On the way home yesterday we visited my grandpa and a friend in NJ so our trip was longer (with hitting the DC to Richmond traffic at 5 pm ) 14 hours in total.

In cross stitching I finished my August Flip it, and Little house in the Woods by HIH. I also go t to have great S.E.X. (Stash Enhancing eXperience) at the Deer Farm Cross stitch Shop in Hyde Park NY...I highly recommend it...she has everything! I got the Mothers tree by L&L , Jig of the Lady bug , Signs of Spring, Signs of Winter, Signs of Summer, Animal Arches all by Bent Creek, Britty Kitties III by Brittercup Designs, and The Country Seasons by Prarie Schooler.